Dasara arrangements reviewed

Underscoring the need for close coordination among various departments for the successful conduct of Dasara festival scheduled for September, Vijayawada Sub-Collector (in-charge) B.L. Chennakeshava Rao on Thursday asked the officials to complete the arrangements before the commencement of festivities.

Addressing a meeting with the officials of various departments, Mr. Rao advised the officials of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamivarla Devasthanam to arrange barricades at the temple and the bathing ghats as well.

In addition to the barricades, lighting and changing rooms should be arranged at the bathing ghats. He asked the officials of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation to assess the requirement of sanitation workers for the festival and depute them on special duties in advance.

Mr. Rao said there was a need to arrange closed circuit television screens at important points like bathing ghats and the entry and exit of the temple.

The services of well-trained volunteers were needed to assist the pilgrims. Stressing the need for uninterrupted power supply during festival days, he asked the officials of the Discom to arrange special transformers, if necessary.

The police needed to take care of the traffic and law and order issues, he pointed out. Referring to medical care, the Sub-Collector said that the ‘108’ ambulance must be kept in reserve near the temple during the festival days and the presence of the medical staff was needed. The Fisheries Department was asked to depute boats and swimmers to the bathing ghats. Executive Officer of the temple T. Chandra Kumar and officials of various departments were present.